What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

Becoming ill while traveling in a foreign country can be frightening, so it is best to be prepared before you leave home. Taking the following measures can minimize inconvenience and distress should you become ill while traveling in a foreign country.

Be prepared before you leave

Check insurance coverage with your carrier and specifically identify whether or not you are covered while traveling abroad. Ask for advice on medical care while traveling.

If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, you may wish to consider purchasing a short-term health insurance policy that does. There are short-term policies specifically designed to cover travel. For more information, contact your travel agent or look for information in travel magazines.

Be sure to have your health insurance identification card and a claim form with you while traveling.

Medicare does not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States. Senior citizens may want to contact the AARP for information about foreign medical care coverage with Medicare supplement plans.

Be sure to complete the information page on the inside of your passport, providing the name, address, and telephone number of someone to contact in case of emergency. This will help to facilitate identification in case of an accident.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, carry a letter from your primary healthcare provider describing the condition and any prescription medicines you are currently taking. These should include generic names for these medicines.

Be sure to bring any medicines you are taking with you outside the United States in their clearly labeled original containers. Some medicines are considered to be illegal narcotics in foreign countries. You may want to check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting to be sure.

Lists of English-speaking foreign healthcare providers can be obtained from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.

Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities.

If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends.

If necessary, consuls can also assist in the transfer of funds from family or friends in the United States. Payment of hospital and other medical bills are the travelers' responsibility.

Detailed information on healthcare providers abroad can be found in The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists, published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its certifying board members. This publication is available through libraries as well as in U.S. embassies and consulates. Names of local healthcare providers and hospitals abroad can also be obtained through the U.S. Department of State website and major credit card companies.